COOLING DISTRIBUTED COOLING SYSTEM
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to refrigeration appliances for use in residential kitchens and other rooms attached to a home. Refrigeration appliances are known for use in residential kitchens and other rooms in a housing unit. Modular cooling devices are known such as refrigerator, freezer, ice maker and wine cooler modules for use in residential homes. The invention relates to a system of refrigeration appliances for use in a residential kitchen and other rooms in a house, a plurality of separate refrigeration modules each having an insulated cabinet, an apparatus for receiving a cooling means for cooling the inside the cooling module, a temperature sensor to detect the temperature in the module, and a temperature selector to select an operating temperature for the isolated cooling module. The refrigeration appliance system also includes a variable capacity central cooling unit that operates continuously, simple to freeze a
cooling means comprising a variable speed compressor, a condenser, a variable speed condenser fan and a controller, a cooling circuit which connects the cooling unit to the cooling unit and the plurality of cooling modules par.) supply the cooling medium from the cooling unit: ntral to the plurality of cooling modules, and to return the cooling medium to the central cooling unit from the modules of refrigeration; and a plurality of media flow control devices d r-niri: \ Slow connected in the medium medium circuit; to control the flow of cooling medium in each of the cooling modules. The cooling apparatus system may have a control circuit for connecting the temperature sensors, the temperature selectors and the cooling medium flow control devices for the plurality of cooling modules with the controller. The controller may include a first portion p.n.i to the capacity of the cooling unit cent, to the on rcspi;;; The cooling charge added to the plurality of cooling nodes to provide a sufficient cooling medium to cool the plurality of cooling modules to the selected operating temperatures, respectively, and a second portion to
adjust the volume of the enfrianuei medium ,! L refer to the respective cooling modules to maintain the selected operating temperature in the respective cooling modules. The cooling apparatus system may also have at least one low-freezing freezer module having an insulated freezer cabinet, a freezing cooling unit comprising a freezer compressor and a freezing condenser, a freezer cooling chamber for cooling the onqolaa compartment < .r, a freezer expansion device connected in a refrigerant circuit with the cooling unit frozen! a and the freezer evaporator, a freezer temperature sensor for detecting the temperature in the freezer compartment and a freezer temperature selector for s 1 e: - bring an operating temperature to the freezer compartment. The refrigeration apparatus system can have a freezer control circuit that connects the being. freezer temperature ur, freezer temperature selector, freeze cooling unit] "to control operation of freezer cooling unit to maintain selected freezer compartment temperature. jpai or of
Refrigeration can be air and the median-r.rier circuit can be isolated ducts connected to the? p? The central cooling and plurality of cooling modules for supplying frozen air to the plurality of cooling modules and returning the air from the cooling modules to the central cooling unit. The apparatus for receiving a cooling medium can be air inlets from the insulated ducts leading to the respective cooling modules and the air outlets from the cooling modules to the insulated ducts. The fan cooling control devices can be a baffle for each cooling module to control the flow of frozen air flowing in the cooling module through the air inlet. The central cooling unit can inc. iir an evaporator and an expansion device with rea 1 imer. This is based on the load of the cooling system connected in a refrigerant circuit with the variable speed compressor and the condenser and arranged for congo,,, r. air of the cooling medium at a temperature below the operating temperature of the lowest selected cooling module, and at least one cooling fan to circulate the cooled air cooling rail through the insulated ducts to the cooling air.; the
respective cooling modules. The second controller poicLon can be arranged to operate the def lecl? s of the respective cooling modules to control the flow of frozen air flowing to the respective cooling modules to maintain the respective selected operating patterns. In another aspect of the invention, nc: iio cooling liquid may be a freezing and cooling medium circuit may include insulated ducts leading from the cooling unit to each core cooling modules for sumir.ií- l. (Go liquid freezing each of the cooling modules and to return the liquid freezing unit central cooling. The apparatus for receiving the I ' "lio of cooling modules respec cooling ivos may be a Lermointercambiador Common ation ·:. > inside the insulated cabinet and device CON4, role flow cooling medium may be a valve for controlling flow of liquid freezing the heat exchanged unit central cooling may be an evaporator of liquid frozen and an expansion device with feedback based on the load of the cooling system connected in a refrigerant circuit with the variable speed compressor and the condenser arranged
to freeze the liquid freezer at a temperature below the lowest temperature of? · ·::. ? . i:, -:. i, »selected cooling, and a pump arranged par-? circulate the liquid freezer towards the respective cooling modules. The second portion of the controller can be arranged to operate the valves to control the flow of the frozen liquid freeze through the heat exchangers of the respective cooling module to maintain the respective selected operating temperature. In another aspect of the invention, cooling can be a refrigerant and circuit d? Cooling means may include insulated conduits leading from the central cooling unit to each of the cooling modules for supplying ol. Refer to each of the cooling modules and return the refrigerant to the central cooling unit. The apparatus for receiving the cooling medium may be a evarurador cooling module in communication with the interior of the insulated cabinet and fan evaporated * - cooling module arranged to circulate air concillado by the evaporator cooling module in the Go together isolated. Cooling flow control devices can be devices that can be used to control cooling.
charge-based feedback for adjusting the refrigerant flake in the refrigeration module evaporators of the respective refrigeration modules, and the second portion of the controller can be arranged to control the expansion valves for the respective refrigeration modules to maintain the temperature? of selected op- tions. The adjustment modules can < It can be selected selectively at different operating temperatures. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a schematic drawing illustrating a modular refrigeration apparatus system according to the invention. Figure 2 is a schematic drawing illustrating another embodiment of a modular refrigeration apparatus system according to the invention. Figure 3 is a schematic drawing illustrating another embodiment of a modular refrigeration apparatus system according to the invention. Figure 4 is a schematic drawing illustrating another embodiment of a modular apparatus system according to the invention. Figure 5 is a schematic drawing illustrating a cooling apparatus module that can be used in combination with a refueling system system.
Modular according to the invention. In a modular kitchen with refrigeration modules, the refrigeration system. for er .: i ... r the modules is a challenging problem. The simplest procedure may be to have individual complete cooling systems for each module. In the first phases; -; From modular training to residential kitchens, this is the procedure taken, especially when the modular reflec- tion product options are less and considerable savings are not available. However, when modularity becomes more predominant and kitchen di comienzanerts begin to incorporate modular products with appropriate infrastructure, it will become. - It is desirable to have a simple central cooling system based on cost, manufacturing and energy efficiency prospects. Consumers will primarily be interested in the energy efficiency, cost, flexibility and expandability offered by a modular cooling apparatus system with less concern about the central cooling technology to support the modulate system:. According to the invention, a system of. Modular refrigeration hoist can be provided in a residential kitchen and adjoining rooms in a home that can include a central cooling unit for some or all of the cooling modules that a consumer consumes! can
Wishing to include in your kitchen, either aJ moner.t- '? of construction, or to expand or change cooling modules over time when necessary.; ·: ··: ·? change. A modular kitchen could allow the consumer to select multiple cooling modules that fit their lifestyle in the best way with the ultimate in flexibility in their kitchens and kitchens fully customized with modularos appliances :: > .OR. for refrigeration but also for food preparation and kitchen cleaning. According to the invention, a central cooling unit of variable capacity, simply can be provided which is able to correlate jacks: cooling rate with the aggregate heat load of the cooling modules. The central cooling unit can be arranged to operate continuously by controlling the volume of the cooling medium directed to each cooling module so that each module is cooled; at a temperature selected by the user and maintained! at precisely the desired temperature. The cooling medium may be cold air, refrigerant or a liquid freezing agent such as ethylene glycol and aqueous solution. Ta uni.uid central cooling can be a vapor compression system, but is not limited to that. If a central cooling unit is a vapor compression cooling system, the central cooling unit may have a
variable capacity compressor capable of handling the cooling load from multiple products of the cooling module. The module products can include refrigerator modules; o11. ¡- - Higher lations, lower congo freezer modules, refrigerator freezer modules that have upper freezer compartments and lower conflation in various configurations that may include:, but are not limited to, built-in configurations, apiiabl 's, under the counter or drawer. Also, refrigeration module products could include specific purpose modules such as ice maker units, wine coolers, and Bar refrigerator. Conventional refrigeration systems that have a complete refrigeration system can be combined with a modular refrigeration system according to the invention. For example, one or more units frozen The lower refrigeration modules can be combined with a modular refrigeration system apparatus arranged for a plurality of fresh freezer cooler modules, as will be described in greater detail hereinafter, a hybrid process can be a hybrid process. i::. oced: i.e.: Efficient energy to provide cooling for products since the central cooling unit can operate under cycle conditions of frimc -vo more
favorable since a very cold cooling medium, ie below -17.77 ° c (0 ° F), may not be required. Returning to Figure 1, in a modal: ri-r: of the invention, illustrated schematically i. A; > The refrigeration apparatus can be connected to a cooling system which can include a central cooling unit 10. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, two modules 20, 22 of re ir i oei a, · | ¡n are illustrated. According to the invention, more than two cooling modules can be provided in the cooling apparatus system as desired although two or three cooling modules are included in the fashion models described above. is, it should be understood that it includes the possibility d > uro or: aunt;; Two or three cooling modules within the scope of the invention. In addition, the refriger- ation apparatus system may be arranged to allow expansion of the subsequent refrigeration apparatus system to inst. Initially, by adding additional cooling modules, the user's needs change with time, requiring new cooling or add-on modules. s. In practice, the recycling modules 20,22 can be installed in a residential kitchen and / or the rooms: together or close such as a large room, bar, recreation room and the like. The central cooling unit 10 can be installed in a nearby location such as in a
basement, utility room, garage, or if desired, in the kitchen in the vicinity of some or all of the cooling apparatus modules that depend on the style of the room and if a basement or underground space is available; < · Or is desired for installation of the central cooling unit 10. Cooling modules 20,22 can be placed anywhere or be integrated modules and can be onorsl purpose, freezer refrigerator modules. ued n be special purpose modules such as a producer? ice or a wine cooler. The cooling modules 20, 22 can take the form of a conventional cabinet or freezer having a hinged door, or it can take the form of a radiator drawer apparatus as described in FIG. the application did not provide iL co-pending S. 11 / 102,231 filed on April 1, 2005, incorporated herein by reference. The cooling module 20 has an isolated cabinet and an insulated door 25 that can be articulated to the insulated cabinet 24 to selectively open and close an opening 28 in the insulated cabinet 24. The cooling module 22 can have an insulating cabinet 26 and an insulated door 27 which can be r: ru ·. Use the insulated cabinet 26 to open and close an opening 29 in the insulated cabinet 26. Those skilled in the art will understand that doors 5 and 27
Isolated can be provided with a handle, not shown, to facilitate the opening and closing of the insulated doors 25 and 27. Cooling modules 20 and 22 each can have a heat exchanger 30 placed · the cabinets 24 and 26 insulated respectively. ? ',? In the following form, the cooling modules 20 and 22 can have a variable speed heat exchanger fan 32 positioned to circulate air (illustrated by the air flow slots 38) on the ternioint p "canini adn- HS 30 The modules 20, the respective modules 20.22 of the respective relay, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that a single speed fan can be used in place of a variable speed fan. 22 of cooling may also have a temperature sensor 34 arranged to detect the temperature inside the cooling modules C C, / 2. The temperature sensor 34 may be a thermistor or other detection mechanism of l.om] | known electronic or mechanical device or device. Temperature regulators 36 can be provided for each of the cooling modules 20, 22 to allow the user to select the operating temperature for the respective cooling modules 20, 22. While the sc. of temperature are illustrated schematically separated from the cooling modules 20,22, those with experience
in the art it will be understood that 5G temprature selectors can be located in each of the cooling modules 20, 22 as known in the art, or could be located centrally if desired. I6 temperature selectors may comprise a well-known electronic or physical mechanism to allow a user to select an operating temperature for the respective cooling modules 20,22. The refri-oo-ration apparatus system; The schematic form in Figure 1 also includes a central cooling unit 10. The central cooling unit 10 may include a variable velocity compressor 12, a condenser 14, and an expansion device 18 co-located in the cooling circuit with a frozen liquid evaporator 40. A variable speed condensing fan 16 can be provided to circulate the air over the condenser 14. The evaporation 40 of the frozen liquid can be a storage evaporator and tube *. Also known as a circuit evaporator will expand.; . The expansion device 18 can be a feedback expansion device arranged to control the flow of refrigerant through the expansion device 18 in the heat load in the cooling system. The central cooling unit 10 can be connected to the cooling modules 20,22 with ducts
42 isolates that form a middle circuit of ni :; 'Slow to take the liquid freezer from the evaporated * 40 freezer liquid to the 3ri heat exchangers; from the heat exchangers 30 to the evaporator of frozen liquid. The liquid freezer, not shown, on the frozen liquid evaporator 40, the insulated conduits 42 and the heat exchangers 30 can be circulated by a pump 44 which can be a variable speed pump. In addition, each module of rofr:. r: c? can have a valve 46 to contain ol l. i.'o of liquid freezing in the heat exchanger 30. Valves 46 can be on / off valves to allow or prevent the flow of liquid freezing through the heat exchanger 30 for a refrigeration module. Those skilled in the art will appreciate what < If a single speed heat exchanger fan 32 is used in a cooling module 20,22, an adjustable valve 46 can be used to control the amount of the liquid freeze flowing to a t rmo ¡v.t < | Rtviinbi t; > 'go 30, although it can be of sufficient energy to use a variable speed heat exchanger fan 32, a variable speed pump 44 and a switch on / off valve 46 to control the speed of the modules 20; , 22 respective cooling. I, to anide. c < 10 central cooling can also have an on-controller 50
based on microprocessor having a first unit 52 that can be arranged to control the operation of the central cooling unit 10 and a second portion 54 arranged to control the volume of liquid freezing directed to the cooling modules 20, 22 respeci: MIS. ?? ••• Control circuit 56 can be provided for connecting temperature switches, temperature selector switches 36, variable speed compressor 12, variable speed capacitor ventilator 16, expansion device 18, pump 44, valves 46 and heat exchanger stacks 32 with controller 50. In this section, a refrigeration apparatus system according to the invention is illustrated in Figure 1 as a distributed refrigeration system which can have a condensation head of condensed steam vapor -i act v: u 'p' e and secondary circuit that uses a frozen liquid evaporator network. An example of a liquid freezer that can be used is thermal transfer fluid HYMALENE HC, an organic salt based on water that is non-toxic, non-flammable with low viscosity, although those skilled in the art will understand that other solutions of Freezing liquid salts such as ethylene glycol and aqueous solution can be used as desired. According to the invention, the central cooling unit 'i) may be operating continuously.
So that the liquid is frozen at a temperature that is appropriate to achieve the selected temperature plus spark 2? the cooling apparatus system is circulated conti.:..., amenté in isolated conduits 42 forming a circuit of cooling medium from the evaporator 40 of gelled liquid to the cooling modules 20,22. F ¡. Co-driver 50 can be arranged to adjust the capacity of the central cooling unit 10 in response to the aggregate cooling capacity of the plurality of cooling modules 20,22. As seen in the above, while two cooling modules 22 are illustrated in Figure 1, according to ?? In the invention, one or more of the cooling modules can be connected in the cooling apparatus system. The aggregate cooling load can be determined by the first controller portion 50 as a function of the temperature sensed by the temperature sensors 34, operating temperatures selected by the temperature selectors 36, and the feedback of the expansion device 18. The controller 50 may also arrange.1"to control the operating temperature in .me i- the cooling modules 20, 22. The second portion 54 of the controller 50 may be arranged to control valves 46 and the fans 32 of the heat exchanger for Keep the operating temperatures selected in the respective cooling nodes based on the settings.
temperature selectors 36 and 1 - > s: -| · -nsoi '\ s -: temperature. Thus, in accordance with the invention, a central cooling unit of averaging capacity which operates continuously simple can be provided for a plurality of cooling modules 20, 22 which can be set to operate at different speeds. »-mpe i > it u \ .-) s of operation. The variable capacity central cooling unit 10 may be arranged to freeze a cooling medium. A cooling medium circuit, c:: insulated pipelines 42 can be provided with a cooling core 10 for supplying a cooling medium from the central cooling unit 10 to the plurality of modules 20,22 of refrigeration. A plurality of cooling flow control devices, valves 46, can be connected er. the cooling medium, conduits 42 isolated, for cor. t roll the flow of cooling medium in each of the cooling modules 20,22. A controller 50 and the control circuit 56 may be provided to adjust the power of the central cooling unit 10 of varying capacity to be able to supply the cooling medium sufficient to cool the plurality of cooling modules 20,22 to the respective selected operating temperatures, and the controller 50 and the control circuit 56 can be arranged to adjust the volume of the medium enriched > m: < "nf '.
the respective ones of the control modules 20,22 when controlling the cooling flow control devices, valves 46, to maintain the operating temperature selected in the respective cooling modules 20, 22. The controller 50 can control the speed of the variable speed pump 44.) the volume of the liquid that is cooled in the cooling circuit varies, the insulated conduits 42 and the controller 50 can control the speed of the 32 fans of the variable speed heat exchanger for c: it: t.rolar additionally the operating temperature > > n, ns:: respective cooling cycles 20,22. Returning to Figure 2, in another embodiment of the invention, illustrated schematically, the cooling modules 70 and 72 can be connected to a refrigeration appliance that can include a 60 central cooling. Similar to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, two cooling modules 70, 72 are illustrated. According to the invention, one or more of the cooling modules can be provided in »> «I? Enin di. Cooling device as desired. The cooling modules d, 2 can be placed anywhere or be integrated modules and can be general purpose refrigerator, or can be modules of purpose e? Ner; il. The cooling module 70 may have a disabled cabinet 74
or
and an isolated door 75 which can be articulated to the isolated one to selectively open and close the aperture. 78 in the cabinet 74 isolated. The cooling module 72 can have an insulating cabinet 76 and an insulated door 77 that can be articulated to the insulated cabinet 76 to selectively open and close the opening 79 in the cabinet 76. ' side. Those skilled in the art will understand that insulated doors 75 and 77 can be provided with a suitable handle, not shown, to facilitate opening and closing of insulated doors 75 and 77. The cooling modules 7c, 72 can have a sensor 84 t: t: t · t ra t dispuesto dispuesto arranged to detect the temperature inside the cooling modules 70.72. The temperature sensor 84 can be a thermistor or other mechanism or device for electronic temperature detection or mechanization well known. The temperature switches 86 are provided for each of the cooling modules '/'.), 72 to allow the user to select the operating temperature for the respective cooling modules 70.72. While the temperature selectores 86 are illustrated separately from the cooling modules 70.72, a temperature selector 86 can be located in each of the cooling modules 70, 72 as is well known in the art, or can be locate centrally if desired. The .selert ore: 86 of
The temperature may comprise a well-known electronic or electronic mechanism to allow a user to select an operating temperature for the respective cooling iods 70.72. The cooling apparatus system illustrated schematically in Figure 2 also includes a central cooling unit 60. The central unit 60 may include a variable speed compressor 62, a capacitor 64, and an expansion device 68 connected in the cooling circuit with an evaporator 0. A speed 66 condenser fan vari-ih can be provided to circulate air over P1. condenser i 64. The evaporator 90 can be a tube and fin evaporator for cooling air that can be used as a cooling medium in the embodiment of Figure 2. The expansion device 68 can be an external device. : with feedback arranged to control the flow through the expansion device 68 based on the heat load in the cooling apparatus system that it includes; the cooling modules 70,72. The central unit 60 can be connected to the 70.7 modules? do r < ~ i: ction with insulated conduits 92 forming a cooling circuit for transporting frozen air from the evaporator 90 to the cooling modules 70.72 The frozen air can be circulated by a fan M ovar ovar plowman
which can be a speed fan v r iab | r. 1':. Iradas 93 of air can lead from enndu -.- tos'. winged up to the respective cooling modules 70.72 and the air outlets 95 can lead from the respective cooling modules 70.72 to the air conduits 92. The air inlets 93 and the air outlet 95 form the apparatus for receiving the cooling medium, air, in the cooling modules 70.72. The entries' O do d.i r < and the air outlets 95 can be positioned with respect to the isolated 74,76 cabinets to provide a pattern d > - desired flow of frozen air in the respective cooling modules "C, | · · .. The air flow arrows p ········································································································ 72 of cooling can have a baffle 96 to control the air flow controlled through the inputs 93 of a.i re rti es respective cooling modes 70.72 The detloetorcs' aí ¡They may be of connection / disconnection or variables To center the flow of the frozen air through a cooling module, the deflectors 96 can be rotated between the open and closed portions tw.ra per: -: * go or block the flow of frozen air towards the respective cooling modules 70.72 and variable speed evaporator fan 94 can vary the flow of the frozen air towards the cooling modules 70.72.
respective. The readers 96 can also be variablely movable between the open and closed positions to allow, block and vary the flow of, »i r, v > r. to the respective cooling modules 70.72. The central cooling unit 60 may have a microprocessor-based controller 100 having a first portion 102 that can be arranged to control the operation, a central cooling unit 60 and a second portion to control the volume of the frozen air directed to the respective cooling modules 70.72 similar to the controller 50 in the embodiment of Figure 1., a control circuit 106 may be provided for cn '-t the temperature sensors 84, the temperature selectors 86, variable speed compressor 62. , the variable speed condenser fan 56, the expansion device (: .8, the evaporator fan 94, and the deflectors 96 for the controller 100. Thus, a refrigeration apparatus system according to the invention is illustrated in Figure 2 as a distributed cooling system that has a variable capacity vandal compression condensing unit and a distribution network of forced forced air cooling. According to the invention, the central cooling unit 60 can be operated continuously so that the frozen air is circulated continuously in
insulated conduits 92 forming a cooling network circuit from the evaporator 90 to the module: - 70.72 cooling and again to the cvaporadot:.,. The controller 100 may be arranged to adjust the capacity of the central cooling unit 60 in response to the aggregate cooling load of the plurality of cooling modules' O, 12. As seen in the above, while two refrigeration modules 70.72 are illustrated n ..a F!.: R; 2, according to the invention, one or more of the cooling modules can be connected in the cooling apparatus system. The aggregate cooling load can be determined by the first portion 102 d < L ront rol .i r 100 as a function of the tem peratures t .: < r the temperature sensors 84, operating temperatures selected by the temperature selectors 86, and the feedback of the expansion device 68. The controller 100 can also be arranged t .|, -i '-; | :) »r; ¡-ir the operating temperature in each of the modules?' ,? 2 cooling. The second portion 104 of controller 100 may be arranged to control deflector 9 and evaporator fan 94 to maintain temporary l: i; > selected operating modes based on J S, ¾ justes d ^ temperature selectors 86 and temperature sensors. Thus, according to the invention, a central cooling capacity unit 60 will vary:
In this case, a plurality of modules 70,72 of ref igerant can be provided, which can be provided continuously. can be set to operate in different t im era * u · .i operation. The cooling unit 60 een! i .11 of > |: Variable acid can be arranged to freeze a cooling medium. A circuit of cooling medium, r. < 92 isolated adducts can be provided by connecting the: 60 central cooling to supply: the mee'-, cooling from the central cooling unit 60 to the plurality of cooling modules 70.72. A plurality of cooling medium flow control devices, deflectors 96, can provide; to control the flow of the cooling medium, a i re c < Each one of the reflux modules 70, 72 is connected to the inlets 93 of air and outlets 95 of air. A controller 100 and control circuit 106 can provide for adjusting the capacity of the cooling unit 60. i.ato: entral of variable capacity to be able to supply sufficient cooling means to cool the plurality of cooling modules 70.72 at the respective selected operating temperatures, and controller 100 and. control circuit 106 may be arranged for a '· e': ... · | vo. -j'e-n of the cooling medium directed to the respective cooling modules 70,72 when controlling the flow control devices of cooling medium, the fan
94 of evaporator and deflectors 96, to maintain the selected operating temperature in the respective cooling modules' iv., 12. The controller 1 can rolar fan speed 94 speed var CLID · for varying the volume of the cooling medium, air frozen in circuit cooling medium, the ducts 92 insulated further control the operating temperature in the modules 70 ., 72 re rigeración r ".c; tl < - 'ivos the embodiment of Figure 2 is used prefe: oriC; for freezing refrigerator modules superior to avoid the need to circulate air in the circuit frozen. cooling medium to achieve aturas tempe cu¡e approach -17.77 ° C (0 ° F) for modules do Öngel do :, iiinque freezer modules may be included in the embodiment of Figure 2 if desired. Returning to Figure 3, in another embodiment of the invention, illustrated schematically, the modules 120, 122 and 124 of cooling can be connected < -: < u :: y 'ornamental of cooling apparatus may include a unit 110 cooling c In accordance with the invention, one or two cooling modules or more cooling nodes can be provided in the cooling apparatus system as desired. The cooling modules 120, 122 and 124 can be placed anywhere or integrated modules and can be a tank cooler
General, freezer or can be special purpose modules. The cooling module 120 can have an insulated cabinet 126 and an insulated door 127 which can be articulated to the insulated cabinet 126 to selectively open and re-open an opening 135 in the insulated cabinet 126. The cooling module 122 can have an insulated cabinet 128 and an insulated door 129 that can be articulated to the insulated cabinet 128 for opening and closing an aperture 137 in the insulated cabinet 128. The cooling module 124 may have an insulated cabinet 140 and an insulated door 141 for selectively opening and closing an opening 139 in an insulated cabinet 140. Those skilled in the art will understand that isolated ports 129 and 141 can be provided with a handle, not shown, to facilitate opening and closing of the isolated doors 127, 129 and 141. The modules 120, 12.:; and 124 cooling may include a cooling module evaporator 130 and a fan 13. nV-evapo: f.mr variable speed cooling module arranged to circulate the frozen air in the respective cooling modules. The air flow arrows 148 schematically illustrate the flow of frozen air on the respective cooling modules. The modules 12'J, 1.22 and 1G? can have a temperature sensor 134 arranged to detect the temperature of the interior of the
cooling modules 120, 122 and 124. The temperature sensor 34 may be a thermistor or other mechanical or electronic or mechanical temperature detection device well known. The selectors 1 - '(-. Of \: m "to ura can be provided for each of the modules].'> (., 122 and 124 cooling to allow the user to select the operating temperature for the modules 120, 122 and 124 respectively, while the temperature selectors 136 are illustrated schematically separated from the cooling modules 120, 122 and 124, a temperature selector 136 can be located in each of the modular 120, 122 and 124 Such a refrigeration as is well known in the art, or can be centrally located if it is read. It can include a well-known mechanical or electronic reader mechanism to allow a The user selects an operating temperature p, -: to the respective cooling modules 120, 122 and 124. The cooling apparatus system illus- trated in schematic form in Figure 3 also includes a central cooling unit 110.The centralized circulation unit 110 may include a variable speed compressor 112, a capacitor 114, and a variable speed condenser bundle fan. The rontral fi rm unit 110 may also include a manifold 117 and an accumulator 118. The central cooling unit 110 may be connected to the
cooling modules 120, 122 and 124 with conduit.1; 142 insulated supply and return duct 144 isolated forming a cooling medium circuit for supplying the refrigerant from the cooling unit 110 in the crete through the collector 117 to the modules 120, i 22 and 124 and return the refrigerant from the cooling modules 120, 122 and 124 to the accumulator 118 through the isolated return ducts 144 for distribution to the variable speed compressor 112. The evaporators G-! O of the cooling module form the apparatus for holding the cooling medium in the cooling modules 120, 122 and 124. In addition, each cooling module 120, 122 and 124 may have an expansion device 13R for controlling the flow of refrigerant in the respective cooling module fans 130. The expansion devices 138 may be an expansion device with feedback arranged for control the flow of refrigerant through the device 13w d expansion based on the heat load in the module 120, 122, and 124 and the operating temperature selected by the respective temperature selector 136. The centrally-located unit 110 may have also a microprocessor-based controller 1 0 bas cic) having a first portion 1M that can be arranged to control the operation of the central cooling unit 110 and a second portion 154 for controlling
the volume of the refrigerant directed to the respective refrigeration units similar to the control 50 in the embodiment of FIG. 1. A control circuit 56 can be provided to connect the temperature sensors 34, the temperature selectors 136, the rn: variable speed thruster 112, the variable speed condenser fan 116, the expansion device 138 and the fans 132 of evaporator for the contlador .50. Thus, a system of refriqation apparatus according to the invention is illustrated in FIG. 3 as a: "i, 1" distributed refrigeration ornament having a condensation i "i. of variable capacity steam compression and an evaporator network Depending on the selected cooling modules, the evap radors can be: all upper freezing cooling modules, all lower freezing, or a lower freezer mix and In accordance with the invention, the central cooling unit 10 may be operating in a controlled manner so that the refrigerant is continuously circulated in isolated supply conduits 142 and the conduit "44 of Isolated return circuits forming a cooling circuit from the capacitor 114 through the reactor 117 to the modules 120, 122 and 124 respectively; and again to the compressor 112 through the accumulator ii 8. The
controller 150 can be arranged for u. * i r La | \ · ?? r · '. : that of the central cooling unit 110 in response to aggregate cooling load of the plurality of cooling modules I, 1, 22 and 12. As seen in the above, while the three modules 120, 122 and 124 of refr i i jc i - ??? they are illustrated in Figure 3, according to L; i nvt -r. or:., one or more of the three cooling modules can be connected to the refrigeration system. The aggregate cooling cycle can be determined by the first portion 52 of controller 150 as uni-link 1 ij the temperatures detected by the temp sensors 134, the operating temperatures selected with the temperature selectors 136, and the feedback the expansion devices 138. The controller 50 can also be arranged to control the emulation in each of the modules 120, 122 and 124 referred to: The second portion 154 of the controller 150 can be arranged to control the devices 138 of the controller. Expansion and the evaporator fans 132 of the d-module evaporator: - Irrigation to maintain the operating temperatures selected based on the settings of the temperature selectors 136 and the temperature sensors 134. The controller 150 can be arranged for maintain approximately the same pressure of the evaporator in the evaporation module evaporators 130 and control the temperature in the cooling modules
respective when varying the rebound flow * int! ..: ·: - > the cooling module evaporators 130 and with. ? < . \ r the speed of the fans 132 of the respective cooling module evaporator. Thus, according to one invention, a cooling unit 110 * of variable capacity operating continuously, can be provided for a plurality of cooling modules 120, 12 ..- and 124 that can be established to operate in different operating temperatures. The central cooling unit 110 of variable capacity can be used to freeze a cooling medium, a rigorous re. tea. A circuit of cooling medium, insulated supply conduits and isolated return conduits 142 and 144. They can be provided by connecting the central cooling unit 110 to supply the cooling medium of the central cooling unit 110 to the plurality of cooling modules 120, 122 and 124. A plurality of cooling medium flow control devices, expansion device 138, may provide for controlling the flow of the medium in the refrigerant in each of the modules 120, 122. and 124 cooling. A controller 150 and the control circuit 156 may be provided to adjust the capacity of the central cooling unit 110 of capar-i or-id vari inl ^ to be able to supply sufficient means of enfr i arni in * < · > for
cooling the plurality of cooling modules 120, 122 and '.24 at the respective selected operating temperatures, and the controller 150 and the control circuit 156 can be arranged to adjust the volume of cooling medium, refrigerant, directed to the respective of the cooling modules 120, 122 and 124 ai rcnt '.ciar the medium flow control devices of the refrigeration module, the expansion device 138 and the evaporator fans 2 of the refrigeration module, p.ira will keep the operating temperature selected in the respective cooling modules l.'J, 122 and 124. The controller 11; it can control the speed of the variable speed compressor 112, fan 116 of the variable speed condenser and expansion device 138 to control the vapor pressure of the cooling medium, i cfr i qcr, -; te, in the circuit of the cooling medium , the isolated return supply conduits "42, 1 4 4 for additionally controlling the operating temperature n the respective refrigeration modules 120, 122 and 124. Returning to Figure 4, in another mode of the invention, illustrated schematically , The cooling modules 1 20, 124 and 1 60 can be connected in a cooling apparatus system which can include a central cooling unit 1 1 0 In accordance with the invention, a cooling module or more than three cooling modules fri g - ration
they can be provided in the cooling apparatus system as desired. As described in the disclosure described in FIG. 3, the refillable modules 120 and A can be placed in any way or be integrated modules and can be a refrigerator, general purpose, freezer or can be modules or: - special purpose. The cooling module 160 can be a refrigerator freezer having a refrigerator compartment 1 68 and a freezer compartment 1 66. The refrigerator compartment 1 68 may have a door 1 7 4 of the insulated refrigerator compartment art i to the insulated cabinet 1 62 and the freezer compartment 116 may have an isolated compartment door 172 hinged to the cabinet 1 62 isolated. That. it is skilled in the art to understand that the isolated doors 127, 1 4 1, 1 7 2 and 174 can be provided with a suitable handle, not shown, to facilitate the opening and closing of the isolated doors 127, 141, 172 and 174 . The cooling modules 1 2 0, 1 2 4 and 1 60 may include a cooling module evaporator 1 30 and a variable speed cooling module ventilator 13"arranged to circulate the air frozen in the air. respective cooling modules, see air flow arrows 1 8. Refrination modules 120, and 124 may have a temperature sensor 134 arranged to set the
temperature inside the modules 12), 1 /. of refrigeration. The refrigerator freezer module 160 may have a temperature sensor 134 in the refrigerator compartment 168 and a temperature sensor 34 in the freezer compartment 166. Temperature sensors 134 may be a tormist or other well-known mechanical or electronic temperature sensing device or device. The temperature selectors 1 6 can be provided for each of the cooling modules 120 and 124 to allow the user to select the operating temperature for the respective cooling means, ns 120 and 124. The refrigerator freezer 160 can have two temperature selectors 136, one for the refrigerator compartment 168 and one for the freezer compartment 166. While selecting the temperature 136 are illustrated schematically 1 apart from the cooling modules 120, 124 and 160, a temperature selector 136 can be located in each of the cooling modules 120, 124 and 160 as is well known in FIG. tonic, or they can be located alternatively and centrally if needed. The temperature selectors 136 can be controlled by a well-known mechanical or electronic selector mechanism to enable a user to select an operating temperature for the respective cooling modules 120, 124 and 160.
The refrigeration appliance system. This is illustrated schematically in Figure 4, similar to m < The flexibility illustrated in Figure 3 may include a central cooling unit 110. The central cooling unit 110 may include a variable speed compressor 112, a condenser 114 and a variable speed condensing fan 116. The 110-unit of the central unit can also include a manifold 117 and an accumulator 1 18. The central cooling unit 110 can be connected to the cooling modules 120, 124 and 160 with the conduits 142 isolated supply and ducts 1 4 of: isolated lathe forming a medium circuit in? i my i 'to transport the refrigerant from the central cooling unit' .0 through the collector 117 to the cooling modules 120, 124 and 160 and oV ^ r the refrigerant of the modules 120, 124 and 160 Ac : r (-: · fr 1 u <- ration to the accumulator 118 through the isolating ducts 144 for the distribution to the variable-speed compressor 112. The evaporators 130 of the refr-icing module form the apparatus to receive the cooling medium: Frit or, the refrigerant, in the cooling modules 120, 124 and 160. In addition, each refurbishment module 120, 124 and 160 may have an expansion device 138 to control the flow of refrigerant to the evaporators 130 of the respective refrigeration module. -8 devices of c-xt nsion
they can be an expansion device with real incitement arranged to control the reflow flow through the er-based expansion device 138. Ir a lation: - heat in modules 120, 124 and 160 and the temperature (s) selected with temperature selectors 136. The central cooling unit 110 can also have a microprocessor-based controller 150 having a first portion 152 that can be arranged to control the operation of the central cooling unit 110 and a second portion 154 to control the volume of the refrigerant directed to the central cooling unit 110. the respective cooling modules 120, 124 and: 60 similar to the microprocessor-based controller C in the embodiment of Figure 1. A control circuit 156 may be provided to connect the temperature sensors 134, the temperature selectors 1 6, the compressor 112 of variable speed, the speed condenser fan 116 i "varies, the expansion devices 138 and the evaporator fans 1.32 for the controller 150. In this way, a cooling apparatus system according to the invention is illustrated in FIG. Figure 4 as a distributed cooling system having a vapor compression condensing unit of variable capacity and an evaporator network. Depending on the selected cooling modules, the evaporators can be all modules of
upper freezing refrigeration, all of lower freezing, or a mixture of upper freezer and lower freezer in addition to freezer module 160 of freezer. The refrigeration module 160 is: a two-temperature refrigerator freezer module qu < - can be arranged to have an upper freezing compartment 168 and a lower freezer freezer compartment 166 as seen in the above. An evaporator 164 of the insulated compartment can be provided for dividing the insulated cabinet 162 into a refrigerator compartment 168 and a freezer compartment 166. The freezer compartment 166 can < : having an evaporator compartment that can be formed c: * r an evaporator compartment wall 170 that can be arranged to separate the evaporator 130 from the cooling module of the freezer compartment 166. the freezer compartment wall 170 is schematically illustrated as a shaded line under the evacuator 130 of the cooling module to indicate that the air flows (arrow 148 of air flow) to the freezer compartment 166 from the evaporator 130 of cooling module, and similarly, the air
to the evaporator compartment under the influence of the cooling module evaporator fan 132. The isolated compartment separator 164 may have passages
166 of frozen air placed in the compartment separator that can allow the frozen air (arrow 158 of air flow) from the freezer compartment 6 or evaporator compartment to flow into the refrigerator compartment 168 as shown in FIG. Known well in the art, the compartment divider 164 may have a refill chamber cushion 168 for controlling the air flow from the refrigerator compartment 1: 8 back to the condenser compartment 166 and the module evaporator 130. of refrigeration extracted by the fan 132 of the refrigeration module evaporator In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figure 4, the buffer chamber 178 of re-runner * is returned to the return air path. of refrigerator compartment 168. Those skilled in the art will understand that the frozen air passages 176 could be arranged in the return air path d-r of the refrigerator compartment 168 and the master: i. disposed in the flow of frozen air in the refrigerator compartment 168 if desired. The refrigerator compartment cushion 178 may be an automatic buffer r -.p the controller 150; as illustrated in Figure 4, c if desired, the refrigerator compartment cushion 178 may be a manually adjustable cushion that s < : can
adjust manually by the user and the temperature sensor 134 and the temperature selector 136 removed from the freezer compartment 166. Similar to the modality of Figure 3, of,. > In accordance with the invention, the central cooling unit 110 may be operating continuously so that the refrigerant is continuously circulated in the isolated supply conduits, 2 and the return conduits 144 are a medium circuit. cooling of the condenser 114 through the manifold 117 to the cooling modules 120, 124 and 160 and back to the compressor 112 through the accumulator 118. The controller 150 can be arranged to adjust the capacity of the cooling unit 110 ont In response to the added cooling load of the plurality of cooling modules 120, 124 and 124, as noted above, while three cooling modules 120, 124 and 160 are illustrated in FIG. According to the invention, one or more of three cooling modules can be connected in the cooling apparatus system The aggregate cooling load can be determined by the first portion 152 of olador 150 as a function of the temperatures detected by the temperature sensors, temperature 4, temperatures of operation selor-i-Loriadas |; | ·? the selectors 136 of temperature, and the real ingestion ?? the expansion devices 138. The controller 150 also
it can be arranged to control the operating temperature in each of the cooling device modules 120, 124 and 160. The second controller portion 154 may be arranged to control the expansion devices 138 and the module evaporator fans 132 to maintain the operating temperatures selected based on the settings of the temperature and selector switches 136. The temperature sensors 134 furthermore, the second portion 154 of the controller 150 can be used to control the refill temperature buffer 138 to control the amount of frozen air flowing from the freezer compartment 166 and the refrigeration module evaporator 132 through compartment separator 64 in refrigerant compartment 168 together with cooling module evaporator fan 132 to maintain the temperature selected by the user in refrigerator compartment 168. the freezer compartment 166. The controller 1! O can be arranged to maintain approximately at the same pressure of the evaporator in the cooling module evaporators 130 and controlling the temperature in the respective cooling modules 120, 124 and 160 as the refrigerant flow in the cooling module evaporators 130 changes and controlling the speed of the fans 132 of the respective cooling module evaporator. From
In this mode, according to the invention, a central cooling unit of variable capacity that operates continuously, can be provided by a plurality of cooling modules 120, 124 and 160 which can be established to operate at different temperatures. of operation, and the cooling module 160 can be established to have a refrigerator compartment and a freezer compartment. Unit 1! Variable capacity central cooling can be disengaged to freeze a cooling medium, a refrigerant. A circuit of cooling medium, insulated supply conduits and insulated return conduits 142, 144 can be provided by connecting the central cooling unit 110 to supply the cooling medium.
the central cooling unit 110 to the plurality of cooling modules 120, 124 and 160. A plurality of cooling medium flow control devices, expansion device 138, may be used to control the flow of the cooling medium, which is relieved in each of the modules 120. , 124 and 160 cooling. A controller 150 and the control circuit 156 can be provided to adjust the capacity of the central cooling unit 110 of varying capacity so as to be able to supply sufficient cooling means to thread the plurality of cooling modules 120, 124 and 160 to the
selected operating temperatures, and controller 150 and control circuit 156 may be arranged to adjust the volume of the cooling medium. slow, cooling, directed to the respective d (^ cooling modules 120, 124 and 160 when controlling the flow control means of cooling medium, the expansion device 138 and fans 132 of the evaporator of the cooling module. cooling, to maintain the selected operating temperature in the respective cooling modules 120, 124 and 160. The controller 150 can control the variable speed compressor 112, fan 16 of the variable speed condenser and expansion device 138. to control the vapor pressure of the cooling medium, refrigerant, in the circuit of the cooling, ducts 142, 144 of isolated supply and ictor to further control the operating temperature in the modules 120 , 124 and 160 respectively, returning to Fig. 5, a freezer module 0 is illustrated that can be used in combination with an apparatus system of refrigeration according r-on the invention. The freezer module 180 may be a conventional freezer capable of operating without the connection to the refrigeration apparatus system according to the invention. Particularly, when a freezer module
arranged for temperatures of storage of: 1 ° C (0 ° F) is desired for use in combination with the modalities illustrated in Figure 1 (which is applied to the liquid freezer as the cooling medium), Figure 2 (which uses the frozen air as the cooling medium), or Figure 3 (particularly when the freezing refrigerator modules are superordinated will be connected to the cooling system). refrigeration apparatus) it may be advantageous to incorporate a rriitio freezer module 180 is illustrated in Figure 5. However, a freezer module 1 HO can be combined with any of the embodiments according to the invention. The freezer module 180 may have an insulated freezer cabinet 182 that aefines an opening 184 for access to the freezer compartment and may have a door 185 with: hinged door to the isolated freezer cabinet 182 for opening. and selectively close the freezer compartment. The freezer door 185 may have a handle, not shown, to facilitate opening and closing the freezer door i 5 for access to the module I ü Jt; congel.n · ... ·. The freezer module 180 may include a freezing cooling unit 189 in a machinery compartment 186 outside the refrigerated position of the freezer cabinet 182 which may include a freezer compressor 0, a freezer condenser 192 and a fan
1904 freezer condenser. The freezer can include a freezer 196 evaporator. 'au r which can be placed in the insulated freezer cabinet 182 and can have a freezer evaporator fan 198 and a freezer expansion device 204. The freezer module 180 may have a freezer temperature sensor 200 'which may be similar to the temperature sensors described in the foregoing. The freezer module 180 may also have a freezer temperature selector 202 to allow the user to select the operating temperature for the cong module. ? i ¿- \ > r. The freezer module 180 may have a controller 20H and a control unit 206 that connects the sensor. 00 of freezer temperature, freezer temperature selector 202, freezer compressor 190, freezer condenser 1.94 fan and freezer evaporator fan 198 for controller 208. Controller 208 can operate freezer module 180 in a shape similar to conventional freezer products as is well known in the art. Those with experience in the art will understand that the freezer compressor 190, freezer condenser module 194 and freezer evaporator fan 198 may be provided with variable speed motors as desired for optimum operation. The freezer expansion device 204 can be ur, spooled. '' i or
Expansion with feedback as nt i 1 i Iris modalities of Figures 1-4 or can SOL a dison '' .: Ivo of capillary tube expansion, again as it is known: i ien in the art. The freezer compressor 190 may be a variable speed compressor if desired as is well known in the art. Alternatively, those skilled in the art will understand that the i: onci «ruí. '! > > r 192 of freezer and a freezer evaporator 196 can be static static exchangers and that if a static heat exchanger is used to remove the frozen condenser fan 194: and / or see :. The freezer evaporator screen 198 could be: - For example, the freezer module 180 could be a box freezer having the freezer evaporator 196 placed in contact with the inner liner 210 defining the compartment. of freezer in the insulation between: inner liner 210 and cabinet 182 as is well known in the art, Similarly, freezer condenser 192 could be placed in contact with cabinet 182 stripped in insulation between inner liner 210 and gabblet 182 as shown in FIG. It is well known in the art While the invention has been specifically described together with certain specific modalities thereof, it will be understood that this is by way of illustration and not limitation, and the scope of the claims falls.
It should be interpreted as widely as per the prior art.
Parts List Central Cooling Unit 56 Control Circuit 57 Speed Compressor "58 Variable 59 Condenser 60 Central Cooling Unit 61 62 Condenser Fan V Compressor: - Variable Speed Variable 1 63 Expansion Device 64 Condenser 65 Module cooling 66 Speed condenser fan vary ie 67 Cooling module 68 Expansion device 69 Insulated cabinet 70 Cooling module
Isolated door 71 Insulated cabinet "72" Refrigerated module
Insulated door 73 Opening 74 Insulated cabinet .; Opening 75 Insulated door Heat exchanger changer 76 Gabinet and insulated: 77 Insulated door Breather of 78 Aber t ura adjustable heat exchanger 79 Opening Temperature sensor 80 End or exhaust arrows 82 Temperature sensor 83 84 Temperature sensor
Air flow arrows 85 86 Temperature selector
Liquid evaporator 87 frozen 88 Ducts insulated 89 90 Evapotado Variable speed valve 91 92 Conduits ais! gone
Connection valve- 93 Air inlet ^ disconnection 94 Speed evaporator fan Variable 95 Output of the instrument 96 reader Controller 97 98 Controller portion 99 10 Controller 0 2nd controller portion 10 1 10 porciui. of the controlled 2:
Continuation of Parts List
103 149 104 2nd portion of the controller 150 With role 105 151 106 152 G 'portion of the counter 107 153 108 154 2nd portion of the controller 109 155 110 Cooling unit 156 central 111 157 112 Speed compressor 158 Arrows of fl', or variable air 113 159 114 Condenser 160 Reflector module freezer 115 161 116 Condenser fan 162 Variable speed receiver 117 Collector 163 118 Accumulator 164 Compartment separator 119 165 120 Cooling module 166 Shared 1 freeze-up: 121 167 122 Cooling module 168 Reflector control 123 169 124 Cooling module 170 Comparison wall. Evaporative valve 125 171 126 Insulated cabinet 172 Door of my refrigerator compartment 127 Insulated door 173 128 Insulated cabinet 174 Refrigerator compartment door
200 Freezer temperature sensor 201 - 202 Freezer temperature selector 203 204 Freezer expansion device 205 206 Freezer control circuit 207 208 Freezer controller 209 210 Inner lining